Extreme Motherhood: The Triplet Diaries

by Jackie Clune

On December 22, 2004, at a routine ultrasound dating scan, Jackie Clune was told she was pregnant with triplets. She had not undertaken any fertility treatment—indeed the pregnancy was an accident as her daughter was under a year old at the time. She and her partner were going from one child to four in almost a single bound. Thrown headlong into the world of multiple births—a risky, scary, and unpredictable world where there are few norms, little support, and practically no dedicated literature, Jackie's first response was a profound desire to punch the radiographer. This is the story of what happened next. From the first scan to the babies' first Christmas, she charts the physical, emotional, and practical rollercoaster of bringing three lives into the world all in one go. Essential reading for all parents of multiples—there are very few books available which offer more than a passing reference to twins or more, these stories will also appeal to anyone interested in how people cope in extreme circumstances.

Genres: Nonfiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2006

About the author

Jackie Clune (b. 1967, raised in Essex) is an English female comedy cabaret performer/writer, actress, and broadcaster who has previously done a Karen Carpenter act. She has appeared on popular British comedy trivia shows such as QI, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and The Staying-in Show and had a small role in a number of episodes of EastEnders, but is largely known for her one woman shows and her portrayal of Julie Burchill in a play by Tim Fountain. She is known for her dry anecdotal approach to comedy and camp sense of humour.

For a number of years, much of Clune's comedy act was based on her sexual orientation; Clune identified as a lesbian from 1988 to 2000. In one interview in 2003, she suggested that she chose to become a lesbian, apparently at least partly on political grounds, and did not identify with the coming out experiences of certain of her gay friends. She currently identifies as straight and has had four children with her partner Richard Hannant.

Clune sang the theme tune and wrote additional material for the TV show Smack the Pony. She also wrote the novel Man of the Month Club and Extreme Motherhood, an account of finding herself pregnant with triplets little more than a year after having her first child.

Reviews

[Keris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly pregnant - and with a daughter under a year old - Jackie Clune discovered that she was carrying natural triplets. (Even though I've read the book, I still came out in goosebumps when I typed that!) At first she is, perhaps understandably, horrified and devastated, but a combination of her practical nature and protective feelings for her unborn babies soon change her mind entirely.

Extreme Motherhood covers the period from the scan to the triplets' first birthday and it is, indeed, a rollercoaster of emotion. Jackie is fiercely protective of her babies and horrified at the insensitive comments strangers

To read the rest of this review, please visit Trashionista

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not what you'd call great literature, but it made me laugh.

[Quanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Četla jsem český překlad pod názvem Mamma mia! Na mateřské s trojčaty (nepřijde mi úplně šťastně zvolený, byť chápu narážku na mateřství + účinkování v muzikálu, ale velmi špatně se ta knížka pak hledá a navíc, dokud člověk nezaostří na trojčata na obálce, není moc poznat téma; doslovnější Adrenalinové mateřství by podle mě bylo vhodnější). Sama mám doma sedmiměsíční dítě, takže mě zajímalo, jak se proboha žije se třemi a navíc dvouletým batoletem. Nejdřív jsem byla ohromená, jak se to dá krásně zvládat... dokud jsem se nedostala do části "co mají děti umět" a nedočetla jsem se, že Jackie neví, zda na bříšku udrží hlavu, jelikož od narození (několik měsíců) na bříšku nebyly. V té chvíli jsem si plně uvědomila, co za šílený život redukovaný jen na uspokojování základních potřeb (lahvičky opřené o srolovanou deku...) to musí být, a že se v zásadě nedá dělat nic jiného, než se snažit nějak přežít.

Jedno je jisté - případné další těhotenství si budu s vidinou spontánního početí trojčat HODNĚ rozmýšlet :))

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and perfect for any parent to read. Clune is very, very smart and funny as she describes (with sometimes breathtaking honesty) her experiences as the mom of triplets as well as a toddler daughter. I might not always agree with her take on things, but I laughed many, many times, cried a few times (don't worry, though, this is not a tearjerker book!), and absolutely devoured the book. I read a library copy but am now planning to buy my own copy very soon for many re-reads, as well as foisting it on all of my friends who are moms.

[Sarah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up in a sale anticipating someday wanting to have kids and wanting to read it. I read it soon after my daughter was born. This is the autobiography of Jackie Clune who conceived triplets naturally after having a singleton daughter. She takes you through her journey from finding out she is pregnant and then the big news through the birth of her children and beyond. This book is a little rough in places but gives the reader a clear idea of how Jackie and her partner coped with their expanding family.

[Kate Arms · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book about triplet pregnancy and the first year ever. The chaos, love, and sheer panic as documented by a comedienne as she lived it. A must read for all triplet mums and those who love them.

[Angela Sumter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was worth reading. I didn't particularly like her though.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

this was a book that i found heart breaking and i dont think i got through it all. I got the impression that the lady didnt want the triplets and thats all that went through my mind while reading it